Germany and the EU can’t afford to drive a hard bargain over Brexit

Abstract

Many assume the EU will take a punitive stance towards Brexit negotiations in an effort to deter Eurosceptic parties. But Gunnar Beck argues that Germany’s negotiating position is weaker than most people realise – largely thanks to Angela Merkel’s disguise of the true cost of the eurozone bailout. Italy, too, is in no position to put its exports at risk. If she makes a few minor concessions, he predicts, Theresa May will be able to choose her terms.